International and local firms that operate in China

Introduction The economic growth of China has attracted the attention of many professionals who try to evaluate the long-term implications of this phenomenon. This paper is aimed at examining the competitive strength of international and local firms that operate in China. Furthermore, it is important to discuss the social effects of this economic development.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International and local firms that operate in China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These questions are important because the increasing manufacturing capacity of Chinese firms can affect millions of people throughout the world. Apart from that, this issue can play an important role in international relations. This is why these questions should not be overlooked. Much attention should be paid to such a term as competitiveness which can be defined as the ability of producers to retain or increase its market share (Hong 2008, p . 33). These questions can be examined by looking at the operations of domestic and foreign firms that manufacture their products in China. Overall, it is possible to argue that the competitive strength of these organizations is based on the ability to reduce operational expenses and lower the price for their products. Furthermore, one can identify several impacts such as the improvement of living conditions in China and increased activism in this country. Apart from that, one should speak about the growing unemployment in advanced countries and intense competition in the labor market. Competitiveness of domestic and foreign manufacturing companies While evaluating the performance of Chinese-based firms, scholars focus on several aspects. In particular, the competitive advantage of these organizations relies on the surplus and low cost of labor force (Steinfeld 2008, p. 1971). Additionally, economists believe that the majority of exports from China are not technology-intensive (Zhan g 2007, p. 94). In other words, these products are not based on some unique and innovative design that can create extra value for users. Apart from that, these enterprises do not employ technologies that can dramatically increase the volume of production (Zhang 2007, p. 94). More importantly, a significant proportion of Chinese exports are produced by the affiliates of American or European companies that can bring new technologies to this country (Zhang 2007, p. 94). Therefore, manufacturers located in China can be very diverse, but they benefit from the excessive supply of labor. These are some of the main aspects that can be identified.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nevertheless, one should remember that labor-intensive production can often give significant advantage of to Chinese manufacturers. For instance, the prices for Chinese products are lower by 30-50 percent low er than the prices set by American-based manufactures (Pan 2009, p. 9). In some cases, these prices are even lower than the cost of materials in the United States (Pan 2009, p. 9). This is one of the reasons why these organizations can increase their market share. Apart from that, many Western firms decided to move to China in effort to decrease their operational costs. This strategy has been affected by high-tech companies such as Apple, Google, or Nokia that prefer to assemble their products in China. These corporations have indeed increased their competitive strength; this is why this policy is adopted by other firms. This is one of the main points that can be made. These examples suggest that the strength of Chinese manufacturers relies on the labor-intensive production. This argument is particular important when one speaks about domestic companies which do not usually manufacture innovative products. In turn, some of the foreign firms can rely on the technology-intensive produc tion, but at the same time, they can benefit from the surplus of labor. Nevertheless, these organizations use the component parts that came from the United States, Japan, Europe, or South Korea (Steinfeld 2008). Therefore, one should not suppose that China dominates every aspect of the global production. This is one the issues that should be taken into consideration. Social effects of Chinese economic development Overall, the trends that were described in the previous sections have several important implications. First of all, the economic growth of China gradually increases the welfare of local workers (Appelbaum 2008, p. 69). Certainly, their income level does not correspond to the standard of living set in North America or Japan. However, even these relatively low wages can be regarded as a significant improvement in comparison with previous years. These benefits were available mostly to people living in urban areas of the country (Appelbaum 2008). This is one of the first effect s that should be identified.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International and local firms that operate in China specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Another important issue is the growing movement in support of trade unions. Researchers argue that the large concentration of workers in a relatively small area results enables them to join their efforts in order to protect their rights (Appelbaum 2008). This issue is important when one speaks about frequent abuses of workers in China (Appelbaum 2008). Additionally, increasing interaction among workers can lead to the increased activism. So, the economic development of this country can eventually influence the political culture of this country (Appelbaum 2008). This is one of the main impacts that researchers speak about. So, the growing manufacturing capacity of Chinese businesses can significantly transform this country. Yet, the long-term effects of this tendency ca nnot be accurately predicted. Finally, it is important to remember that the economic growth of China influence many people living in the advanced countries. First of all, many European and American firms choose to outsource their operations to China since in this way they try to decrease their costs. This process decreases the number of jobs that are available to local workers. Thus, the competition in the global labor market has also increased. This is one of the impacts that should be taken into account. Furthermore, the increased strength of Chinese manufacturers decreases the market share of Western manufacturers. As a result, many of these firms are forced out of business (Pan 2009, p. 9). Therefore, the economic development of China has implications for millions of people who may not be living in China. Conclusion This discussion indicates at several important issues. First of all, local and international companies rely mostly on the labor-intensive production which means that they have access to less expensive labor. This is how they gain competitive advantage over their major rivals. This tendency can affect various societies. In particular, it can lead to the relative improvement of living standards in China. Furthermore, this trend can eventually result in the political transformation of China. Finally, one can argue that this development can influence millions of people who have fewer opportunities for finding a job. So, this process makes the global market more competitive. These effects should be taken considered by people who examine the social development of China as well as other countries. References Appelbaum, R 2008, ‘Giant Transnational Contractors in East Asia: Emergent Trends in Global Supply Chains’, Competition Change, vol. 12 no. 1, pp. 69-87.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Hong, W 2009, Competitiveness in the tourism sector: a comprehensive approach from economic and management points, Springer, New York. Pan, C 2009, ‘What is Chinese about Chinese Businesses? Locating the ‘rise of China’ in global production networks’, Journal of Contemporary China, vol. 18 no. 58, pp. 7-25. Steinfeld, E 2004, ‘China’s Shallow Integration: Networked Production and the New Challenges for Late Industrialization’, World Development, vol. 32 no. 11, pp. 1971-1987. Zhang, K 2007, ‘International Production Networks and Export Performance in Developing Countries’, The Chinese Economy, vol. 40 no. 6, pp. 83-96. This essay on International and local firms that operate in China was written and submitted by user Rihanna Key to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Caregiver vs. Caretaker

Caregiver vs. Caretaker Caregiver vs. Caretaker Caregiver vs. Caretaker By Maeve Maddox A reader wonders about the difference in meaning between caretaker and caregiver: It seems to me that they should have opposite meanings. Is there a difference in usage? Although â€Å"to give† and â€Å"to take† describe opposite actions, caretakers and caregivers both mean â€Å"people who provide care and attention.† Caretaker has been in the language since the mid-1800s. Its earliest meaning was â€Å"one who takes care of a thing, place, or person; one put in charge of anything.† Here are two early examples of the usage given in the OED: The souters wife..was servant to Gilbert Brown..and..acted as nurse and care-taker to Agnes his daughter. (1858) The caretaker of the house met them, hat in hand. (1859) Caregiver is a newcomer that entered American English in the 1960s and migrated to British English in the 1970s. It means â€Å"a person, typically either a professional or close relative, who looks after a disabled or elderly person.† Caregiver can also refer to a parent, foster-parent, or social services professional who provides care for an infant or child. According to estimates from the National Alliance for Caregiving, during the past year, 65.7 million Americans (or 29 % of the U.S. adult population involving 31 percent of all U.S. households) served as family caregivers for an ill or disabled relative. In modern usage, caretaker is sometimes used with the same sense as caregiver, but it’s more commonly used with these two main meanings: 1. noun: a person who looks after property: Alan John, caretaker at Buckholme Towers School in Lower Parkstone for 17 years, died in June this year at Forest Holme Hospice. St. Louis looks to overhaul Soldiers Memorial, find new caretaker 2. adjective (or attributive noun): designating a government, administration, etc., in office temporarily: CAS Coovadia, the MD of the Banking Association of South Africa, has been appointed as the caretaker CEO of Business Unity South Africa (Busa) while the business organisation looks for a new CEO. Bulgarian president names new caretaker government A group of people being looked after by a caregiver is called a â€Å"care group.† An individual being looked after by a caregiver may be called anything from â€Å"Mr. Jones† to â€Å"Momma.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:85 Synonyms for â€Å"Help†Using the Active Voice to Strengthen Your Writing9 Forms of the Past Tense

Civil Rights Movement and The Clansman essays

Civil Rights Movement and The Clansman essays "The film is many things: repulsive, naive, biased, simplistic, historically inaccurate and astonishing in its view of history and racist glorification of the KKK. Yet it tremendously significant and powerful work of art with extraordinary effect and brilliantly-filmed sequences" (Dirks). The movie was based on one man's simple but yet repulsive story. The flaw in past American actions that can well be seen is in a group of white men named the Klu Klux Klan, who were re-influenced into their hateful rage by one man's Romantic novel, called The Clansman. The book, The Clansman-An Historical Romance of the Klu Klux Klan, was written by Thomas Dixon Jr. Growing up during the reconstruction era, he was imbued with the folk image of the Klan as the savior of the south (Kinney). When he grew up he wrote 22 novels and plays about social defects, but before that he was a southern minister. He befriended 3 presidents, including Woodrow Wilson (Cook) who he attended John Hopkins University with. As a student reading Darwin, Huxley, and Spencer, he suffered a brief period of religious doubt. But he rebounded stronger and went on to lecture on denying blacks of political equality and denying women of working out of the house (Kinney) All though, his work is mainly shunned, Dixon clearly foreshadowed the politicized television evangelists of the modern south. Perhaps the main reason he wrote the book was to express his ideas on what he felt would happen in real life. From his own beliefs, black men were horrible crazy men with only one thing on their mind, while women were innocent and helpless. With these two characters there needed to be a hero and so knowing from his own standards that the clan was the savior of the south and perhaps the nation, he used the clansman to serve as the hero in the novel, the super most being in the whole story. The book its self is a vivid portrayal of the aspects of the reconstruction. For example, the idea ...

Research Paper on Corporation and Security of Staff Devices

Research Paper on Corporation and Security of Staff Devices Research Paper on Corporation and Security of Staff Devices Abstract In the past, people could only use computers owned and managed by a company, and no one would think of lugging in their personal computers (PC) to use in the company. However, today, many things have become quite different. Many employees use personal devices such as tablets, smart phones, and many other gadgets that promote efficacy in communication. The use of these handheld devices by the staffs within an organization has provided services as well as a constant connectivity to workers. Despite the merits of new technological devices in a corporation, they are presenting new threats to the corporate assets (Mitchell, 2004). Research Problem The employees’ personal devices are causing ongoing concern in most companies concerning information security. For example, there are sensitive corporate information which can easily be transported as well as lost by using these devices. However, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement in most organizations has led to an increasing number of expensive security incidents. The main problem in this case is that most corporations are still relying on the staff personal devices such as personal laptop for business (Loader, Biggs, 2002). These ancient devices do not have the same security level than those of the company leading to serious security threats to corporate information. This research proposal will discuss on the use of personal devices within the corporate as well as the security issues associated with the use of these devices (Burke, 2006). The issue of security level has become very problematic to many organizations since the employees using these devices usually jeopardize company security through loss and theft, malware, spam, phishing and Bluetooth (Zachary, 2004). It is evident that the use of staff personal devices is growing rampantly and affecting the corporate of all sizes. Therefore, the organizations that allow their staff to bring in personal organization in the premises should ensure that there is proper security implemented to control these risks (Quigley, 2008). From the research collected in various organizations, it is indicated that about 93% of the staffs have mobile devices that connect to the corporate networks and 67% allow personal devices to connect to corporate networks. It is also evident that the staff personal devices are causing challenges especially for the corporate IT security department (Mitchell, 2004). Most of the companies that allowed personal devices to access their networks, it was reported that the employees used their own smart phones, tablets, and other devices to handle business information leading to security issues (Zdziarski, 2008). The most common challenge faced by the IT corporations include the secu rity breaches particularly regarding the corporate information, tracking and controlling access to corporate and private networks, and managing personal devices containing the corporate as well as personal data and applications (Relationship and Resource Management in Operations, Securities Institute Operations Management, 2003). Aim of the Research The research proposal will discuss the corporation reliance on staff using their personal laptop, smart phones for business purposes. The justification for focusing on this issue is that the employees’ personal devices seem not to possess the same security level like those of the company. The aim of this research paper is to contribute to the understanding of various risks issues that are brought upon by using personal devices within an organization (IFPO, 2010). Significance of the Research Most staff members often feel comfortable using their own devices as opposed to using the corporate machines. In the United States of America, about 46% of the businesses are today allowing their staffs to use personally owned PCs (Steinberg, 2007). Several researches in this sector, such as the information technology research and advisory company continue reporting that in the future, employers will require their employees to supply their own devices to be used for business purposes (Lee, Swartz, 2007). Today, the significance of using personal computers is mainly focuses on the factors of choice and convenience for employees as well as saving costs for the employers. Most corporations rely on the staffs’ personal devices because they cause a significant time shift in the working behavior of the employees (Keyes, 2010). However, some corporations that allow staffs to carry their personal devices in the company have become successful in certain respects (Winch, 2010). For ins tance, the devices enable employees to conveniently send and reply to emails at any time, and from any location. This particularly applies to situations where the staff members are taken to do a field research by the organization (Reddy, 2010). Personal devices have enabled catching up on emails to be quite easy and fitted with employee performance. By using the devices, employees quickly handle even the most challenging tasks by relying on the personal devices for communication while managers can obtain prompt responses to their enquiries as well (Keyes, 2002). The other benefit of using personal devices in corporate is that the users will find the devices to be always at hand as compared to big machines implemented within the organizations. Therefore, staff members tend to have ready access to the businesses, personal information as well as check on the organizations latest business figures. The ready access to information offers a greater choice in a way the staff members work (Mahmood Szewczak, 2010). Research Methodologies Mobility can bring both advantages as well as risks to the corporate. As the staff members bring their personal devices into the workplace, most organizations are motivated to encourage the use of these devices for business purposes because they increase employee productivity within the premises (Lucas, 2012). Personal devices especially the portable ones can give the employees access to the corporate resources and continuous collaboration with business partners. The other advantage of using these devices is that they reduce the IT costs by allowing employees to often pay for their own personal devices rather than rely on the ones provided by the company. Therefore, most companies save IT spending on the device purchases and communication services (Zdziarski, 2008). The research also showed that the use of personal devices for work has become very consistent across all the sampled companies (Winch, 2012). Little variation was seen in the number of businesses claiming that they have p ersonal devices on their corporate networks, from the smallest business, which is about 65 % to the largest 68%. Corporation reliance on employees using their personal laptops and smart phones would promote productivity as this allows flexibility and mobility (Wolowitz, Tharp, Rubin, 2010). However, over-reliance on employees’ personal gadgets would compromise the security of corporate data and information. Therefore, the corporate needs to recognize that when the employees connect mobile devices to the organizations systems, the devices must then be treated just like any IT equipment with appropriate security controls (Keyes, 2010). The security issues of these devices should be addressed by the corporate at the outset because the devices used may become a point of security weakness, which threatens to disclose business information. It is evident that most hackers have discovered that the staff members carrying their personal devices to the corporate may have linked both business and personal data within the system (Snoyer, 2004). Therefore, it would be easy for the hackers to get more and more information regarding the corporate. Given that personal devices platforms have not been natively designed to provide comprehensive security, hackers have a strong incentive of developing new techniques or create the mobile-centric malware for the devices (Zdziarski, 2008). Access to Data The access of data to this research proposal will be gained by using both the primary and secondary sources. The data will also be collected using interviews and questionnaires for the corporate who allow their workers to bring in their personal devices to the organization. Access to these data will not be conditional because many corporate have for many years endured security issues in regards to allowing the staff to bring in their personal devices to the organization (Burke, 2006). Ethical Issues In the research Employees can compromise the security of a corporation by abusing their personal devices in various ways (Schultz, 2006). For instance, they may use these devices for other functions other than the stipulated official purposes. Blogging and spending so much time on social networking sites are other forms of abuse that eat into staff working hours and bring unnecessary costs to the organization (Melky Harnest, 2010). These issues can be addressed by pre-programming the devices or network proxy for authentication and access control. Conclusion Employees who bring their personal computers within the corporate usually do this for personal convenience and they are privy to the fact that they are publicizing their preferences even to hackers. The number of organizations that allow their staff to use their personal devices such as smart phones and iPhones are at an all-time high because these companies tend to give the employees greater say over their used devices. Today, workers on the other hand are also driving the tablet sales and point to tablets as the preferred method of consuming content. Caution should be taken by the corporations and employees to ensure that corporate information is secured away from the reach of hackers. Visit our research paper writing service which will help you with writing a research paper on any topic and discipline. Just visit our writing company!

UV Index Forecast Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

UV Index Forecast - Essay Example There are five categories for UV index, level 1-2 (low--can safely enjoy being outside), level 3-5 (moderate--take precautions by wearing a hat and sunscreen SPF+15; seek shade during midday hours), level 6-7 (high--protection against sun damage is needed; use sunscreen SPF+15; wear long sleeves and pants where applicable), level 8-10 (very high--protection against sun damage needed; try not to be outside between 10am-4pm; shirt, hat sunscreen are a must; seek shade) and level 11+ (extreme--same as very high category). The UV Index is a next day forecast of the amount of skin damaging UV radiation expected to reach the earth’s surface at the time when the sun is highest in the sky (solar noon). The amount of UV radiation reaching the surface is primarily related to the elevation of the sun in the sky, the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, and the amount of clouds present. The UV Index can range from 0 (night time) to 15 or 16 (in the tropics under high elevations with a clear sky). The higher the UV Index, the greater the dose rate of skin damaging and eye damaging UV radiation. The higher the UV Index, the smaller the time it takes before skin damage occurs. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a specific part of the sun’s entire spectrum of wavelengths. UV-C spectrum is entirely absorbed by atmospheric ozone adn does not reach the earth’s surface. UV-B is mostly absorbed by the ozone, but can affect plants and animals, and affects humans by reddening of the skin, and possible development of skin cancer. UV-A radiation is needed by humans for the synthesis of Vitamin-, but too much UV-A causes toughening of the skin and other irritations. The variation throughout the day of UV radiation is much like that of visible light. The UV Index is a forecast of the probable intensity of skin damaging ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface during the solar noon hour (11:30-12:30 local time).

Trust of leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Trust of leadership - Essay Example Trust is the only way to make people follow you, thus every leader should do his/her best to gain trust. First of all, it is important to understand that trust depends on healthy communication. Leaders should be able to listen and promote honesty in workplace relations. In every company communication is a tool to create understanding between employees and senior managers (Lord et al, 1986). Leaders should improve their communication skills in order to establish healthy relationships with employees. Relations at the workplace should be based on the mutual respect and ethical principles established in the organization. Leaders should take care about workplace ethics as it should be among the top priorities. â€Å"Most people don't know how to think about the organizational and societal consequences of low trust because they don't know how to quantify or measure the costs of such a so-called "soft" factor as trust. For many, trust is intangible, ethereal, unquantifiable. If it remains that way, then people don't know how to get their arms around it or how to improve it. But the fact is, the costs of low trust are very real, they are quantifiable, and they are staggering† (Covey). In order to make people trust you it is essential to try to meet their needs. A leader should help workers feel comfortable at the workplace. Many people appreciate responsive leaders, who do not stay indifferent to their needs and remember that people are not robots. It is a real art and not an easy task for leader to be responsive and exacting at the same time, but all of the leaders should try to manage this art and adopt the way of behavior that would allow them to gain employees’ trust and not to lose authority at the same time. â€Å"The job of a leader is to go first, to extend trust first. Not a blind trust without expectations and accountability, but rather a "smart trust" with clear expectations and strong accountability built into the process. The best leaders al ways lead out with a decided propensity to trust, as opposed to a propensity not to trust† (Covey  ). Leaders often make serious mistakes by making decisions themselves not sharing their plans with the employees. People usually do not like to follow orders not knowing what they are taking efforts for. They want their employers to value their creativity and to provide them with the opportunity to express it. All the important decisions taken by the leaders of the company should be agreed with the employees. If employees take part in the decision- making process, they will understand that their leaders trust their opinion and, moreover, they need it. That will make employees trust their leaders and believe in them (Lord et al, 1986). The main task of a leader is to make his/her subordinate believe that they are working for both the benefit of the company and their own benefit. In every organizing there should be a spirit of a goal that is the one for everybody and everyone sho uld try to do his/her best to achieve this goal. Employees should believe that reaching the goal of the company will help them reach their own goal and this is the guarantee of success (Lord et al, 1986). Trust is the most important component in leadership. Employees who trust a leader will follow all his/her requirements. The performance of the company will also gain if employees trust their leader. Thus, leaders should take effort to make employees tr

Legal case study memorandum Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Legal memorandum - Case Study Example 2. Forestland and Ecoland is both signatory of GWA that requires reduction in carbon emissions. The two states have devised measures to deal with the issue. Forestland have built on dams and Ecoland have introduced ECTR, patent and labeling regulations. 3. ECTR levy tax depending on the level of carbon emissions with the higher the carbon the higher the tax. ECTR classify RecycloFuel as carbon-neutral manner („BCNs‟), while ForestFuel as non-carbon-neutral manner (BCs‟) on the grounds that forest fuel powered by hydroelectricity emits carbon emission. Nevertheless, there is no conclusive evidence that this is true (Prezi, 2015). 4. Eco-labeling mandates the labeling of the products depending on the fuel used. Products made from RecycloFuel are labeled using a â€Å"happy marmot† label, product made from ForestFuel have â€Å"unhappy marmot† label and products made from fossil fuels have â€Å"furry marmot unfriendly† 5. Section 66. 6 requires no patent to inventions directed in prevention of commercial exploitation in which it is necessary to protect the public or morality comprising of animal and plant life or health, humans or to avoid grave consequences on the environment. 6. Ecoland in this case wish to protect, a special species, marmot that helps in distribution of Ecolandian Fir tree, the main source of biofuel. The climate has changed in the last five years with a drop in ski slopes and global warming that has consequently saw a reduction in Fir trees. In this effort, Ecoland is trying to have eco-label to protect the environment. The Indonesia government brought the case forward to the panel in respect to clove cigarette labeling regulations. US in this case had prohibited production and sales of cigarette with cloves. The panel ruled out that the aimed at improving public health to smokers. Canada and Mexico brought a case the TBT panel in regard to the action of US on labeling regulation. The

Newspapers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Newspapers - Assignment Example Although there are certain number of people, mainly of older age who still believe in reading newspaper for getting updated about what are happenings in and around the world the present generation of youth as well as people who remain busy in their respective jobs prefer internet or web to get updated about the news. The news brings about conflict, create difference of opinion among people which help them in a way to figure out what is right and what is wrong. The newspaper is a way by which people can gather information about what is happening all across the globe. In the era of technological advancement newspaper still have its importance as in the developing and developed countries people still have to rely on print media to get details about the happening across the world. But, in addition to that in the developed countries, print media have to come up with new innovative ideas to survive as the internet is more of a common thing in those countries, so dependency on the newspaper in now reducing in those countries. 2. PEST Analysis: Definition, Purpose and Business Benefit: Generally PEST analysis associated with the external factors that affect any company’s overall performance. ... According to them, these four factors differ in different countries but a proper PEST analysis always helps an organization perform better in the competitive world (Analoui & Karami, 2003, 74). According to Kotler (1998), PEST analysis is a productive strategic tool for analyzing market growth or decline, business situation, potential and course for operations. According to his analysis, PEST analysis is helpful because there are continuous changes taking place in the society which creating an uncertain environment and also have its impact on the performance of the organization. The use of PEST analysis is helpful for the organization in strategic planning, developing its marketing strategies, for business development as well. 3. PEST analysis for the newspaper industry in the developed economies: With the continuously developing technologies and availability of internet facilities in almost every household of the economically developed countries, it is a crunch time for the print me dia to look closely to their marketing, promotional strategies and if needed have to make necessary changes. Political aspects: From the very beginning newspaper plays an important role in setting up the political mode of any civilization. By virtue of the reports published in newspapers regarding different political party’s agenda, thought process people decide whom to choose or support. On the other hand, political situation of any country also help the newspaper industry to blossom. Stable political condition, freedom to express views, access to all political parties and leaders, support from them at the crunch time all help the newspaper industry to do its job effectively that is providing good and true

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Basics Research Paper

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Basics - Research Paper Example The paper throws light on the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a well known buzzword nowadays. It is a new technology based communication or way of talking over the phone just round the corner. The main advantage of this technology is that it minimizes the costs that come with a customary phone line, as a minimum at this point of the game. Additionally, this is new communication technology framework that offers the savings of hundreds, or yet thousands of dollars for a number of people. In addition, someone who has utilized voice chat software would be aware of the latency concerns that propagate through some kind of data transfer comprising the internet. However, VoIP technology addresses the latency concerns through RTP, or real time communication protocol. This communication protocol guarantees that data packets are sent and received in a timely way. In addition, customary communication telephone network service providers are taking interest in presenting VoIP services also, with similar national businesses as AT&T and Verizon get high business revenue through the VoIP bandwagon. In this scenario, Vonage was one of the initial extensively recognized corporations to present VoIP communication based services, and is priced competitively by beginners to the marketplace. This paper will discuss technical areas and important features of VoIP technology based framework. This paper will also analyze the basic implications of VoIP technology and its possible evolution in future. ... So the technology that has brought modernism in our business and educational worlds as a minimum we need to look at its history (Rose India, 2009). Historically, this technology emerged in 1990 when internet phone was utilized using H.323 protocol in place of currently available common SIP protocol. Additionally, this communication software was extremely well known in the marketplace and through 1996. In this scenario Vocaltec had a success through IPO establishment. The place that SKYPE takes up in the marketplace was then occupied by Vocaltec. The weakness due to which this software got issues was the non-accessibility of high speed internet facility or broadband capability and a resulting reduced voice quality due to modems. The lower voice quality was inferior as compared to the usual phone calls (Rose India, 2009) and (Karapantazis & Pavlidou, 2009). In addition, the networking producers like that Cisco and Lucent soon became popular due to software applications that are able to route and switch the VoIP communication based packets traffic and consequently in the year 2000 VoIP technology based communication traffic accounted for 3 percent of the whole voice traffic in US. After that the year 2005 has seen all the important matters regarding VoIP traffic and thus clients are guaranteed of outstanding voice quality as well as continuous phone calls. Additionally, the benefit that was attained through this revolution that has been formulated out of sale of VoIP tools and equipment only in the year has been approximately $3 billion that reached up to $8.5 billion in 2008. The cause at the back of this amazing figure is small cost limitless calling plans and above all plenty of a variety of communication services and

Information Technology Management Essay Example for Free

Information Technology Management Essay Information and communication technologies play critical roles in sustaining an organizations growth and profitability (Galliers Leidner, 2003). If managed properly, investments in information and communication technologies can improve efficiency and effectiveness of business processes and an organization’s competitive posture in the market. Proper management of information and communication technologies investments can also enrich people’s lives in the organization improving job satisfaction and productivity. Galliers Leidner, 2003). Success in managing information and communication investments depend largely on exercising good management practices like human capital management, staff training management, information technology architecture management and software management (Galliers Leidner, 2003). However, with all the potential benefits of investments in information and communication projects, they can be risky, costly and unproductive if not managed properly (Galliers Leidner, 2003). Organizations should therefore strive to attract and retain information technology personnel that are qualified and talented to ensure the success of information and technology investments. This is further complicated by a tight information and technology labor market where qualified information and technology personnel enjoy high mobility. Discussion The position I am required to design is a leadership position intended to provide technical direction and guide an organization in implementing strategic information and communication projects (Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2010). The occupant of this position is expected to be able to handle a wide range of duties and responsibilities. He or she should be able to use his/ her exposure, technical experience and business knowledge in developing an organization’s technical plans and to advise senior management on information technology strategies, standards and governance (Galliers Leidner, 2003). In addition he or she will be expected to monitor the industry’s trends in information technology and respond appropriately by formulating long term information technology strategies capable of improving an organization’s competitiveness. The senior information technology manager will work under the general supervision of the chief executive officer. In line with work plans and resource allocation coordination provided by the chief executive officer, he or she will be responsible for effective planning, supervision and delivery of assigned functions that fall within an information and communication department (Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2010) so as to ensure that an organization’s requirements for information systems and information technology are effectively and efficiently met. He will also be responsibility for ensuring that an organization’s computer systems have the capacity to meet the business needs of an organization by either upgrading existing systems or developing new systems (Info Tech Employment, 2008). Additional functions will include participation in planning, coordinating and setting policies for the development and implementation of an organization’s information technology strategies, supporting standards, procedures and practices, supervising and coordinating works of external firms in special projects or functions to ensure quality and timely delivery, providing consultant services in regards to procurement of new information technology equipments and computer systems, supervising members of staff assigned to special projects or functions and coordinating their training and development to ensure that they are up to the tasks and finally, developing and monitoring key performance indicators of assigned functions within an information technology department (Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2010). The senior information technology manager is expected to have an excellent working knowledge in information technology and a commitment to keep up to dat e with the latest development (Galliers Leidner, 2003). He should demonstrate people’s management skills with an ability to motivate staff members, provide a cooperative and productive work environment, manage resources effectively to achieve objectives, organize and coordinate work in the department and explain technical issues clearly (Info Tech Employment, 2008). He or she will be tasked with leading changes that fall within the information technology department, hence must be able to integrate organizational and departmental goals, priorities and values. In addition, he or she should have experience in managing large scale projects in information systems and technology (Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2010). To fulfill these expectations, a university degree in computer science or related fields and appropriate professional certifications are mandatory. Moreover, the candidate of choice should have at least five years management experience in information technology. He should demonstrate experience with standard software applications and data manipulation, analysis and interpretation tools (Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations, 2010). Conclusion Information technology investments can be very beneficial to an organization as a whole if they are managed properly. Organizations should therefore strive to hire and retain qualified, experienced and talented information technology managers. This is not easy given the current information technology labor market. The labor market is characterized by high mobility of qualified labor and organizations must put in place effective measures to ensure they hire the right people. One of the measures an organization should take is defining clear structures and responsibilities of all employees in the information technology department. The senior information technology manager will provide technical direction and guidance to the organization in implementing strategic information technology projects. He will be responsible for ensuring effective and efficient management of resources within the information technology department.

Security Issues Associated With Mobile Commerce Information Technology Essay

Security Issues Associated With Mobile Commerce Information Technology Essay The report investigates the current state of the Mobile-commerce based on its security and examines the predicted future developments of the system. A brief background of the M-commerce and its applications is initially outlined. The discussion will then focus on the security issues and solutions based on the five security objectives (standards): Confidentiality, Authentication, Authorisation, Integrity and Non-repudiation. The applications of these security standards will then be applied on two M-commerce applications, both involving mobile transaction: Mobile-Payment and Mobile-Banking. It is concluded that further technological development in M-commerce system will be required, in order to improve the quality of service and ensure the user that such a system is safe to use. Nestor Mfuamba Introduction The term M-commerce (mobile-commerce) derives from E-commerce (e-commerce) which denotes business transactions over the internet. The transactions could be buying and selling goods/services by accessing the internet. Both M-commerce and E-commerce are part of two districts business markets: B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer), the two distinct from dealing with business for the first and dealing end consumer for the last. From these business concepts, we can see that a B2B market, is more like E-commerce, where a business / user, accessing the internet for business transactions from an unstated devices. The technology used for this system could either be wireline (home PC, end user devices) or wireless (via mobile phones, PDAs, end user devices). In fact the term M-commerce, is all about a wireless E-commerce that is where a mobile device is used to access the internet for business transactions either in B2B or B2C markets. With the ubiquitous availability of mobile phones (other end user devices), M-commerce services have a promising future, especially in the B2C market. Future development applications include buying over the phone, purchase and redemption of tickets and reward schemes, travel and weather information, and writing contracts on the move. However, the success of M-commerce today, very much depends on the security of the underlying technologies. For example, credit card charges for transactions on the internet are 15%, versus 1% for POS (Point-of-Sales) credit card transactions. The chargeback rates grow to 30% digital product are sold. For M-commerce to take off, fraud rates have to be reduced to an acceptable level. As much security can be regarded as an enabling factor for the success of M-commerce applications. In this report, I discuss the security issues associated with M-commerce and their solutions based on two existing M-commerce applications, namely: Mobile Payment Systems: business transactions on the internet require the payments of either goods or services. M-payment systems have different requirements and characteristics than E-payment systems (electronic-payment). Mobile-Banking Systems: types of execution of financial services in the course of which within an electronic procedure the consumer uses mobile communication techniques in conjunction with mobile devices for banking transactions. M-commerce Definition The term m-commerce can be defined in many ways. From own experience and research, m-commerce is just an electronic commerce system that is accessed from mobile phones. Both e-commerce and m-commerce are B2C (Business to Consumer) systems. According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development), e-commerce follows two criteria that are: Automation of transaction Spatial separation of transactions and delivery By definition m-commerce is a business commerce system using mobile device for business transactions performed over a mobile telecommunication network, possibly involving the transfer of money. Based on research done by Kalkota Ravi and Robinson Maria, they have actually divided m-commerce into five descriptive phases: Messaging m-commerce (SMS)-based m-commerce) Info connectivity m-commerce (web based m-commerce) Transactions m-commerce (strategy for organisations in order to evolve revenue generating mcommerce) Transformation m-commerce (m-commerce is interconnected and implemented into business processes within and between organisations) Infusion -m-commerce (and m-commerce is a normal way to do business this means a culture change from one, in which technology is occasionally handed over to the other one where technology is an accepted part) Technology and Applications The technology of M-commerce is built on several key technologies. They distinguish by their common uses. Mobile phones have developed gradually, making significant changes to their standards, starting from the first generation (analogue phones) to the third generation (3G): first-generation or analogue phones good for voice calls second-generation phones use digital technology and are typical of the average phone in use today 2.5G digital phones support the transmission of data using general packet radio service (GPRS) third generation (3G) digital phones support voice and data transmission at greatly increased speeds 3G supports services that were not possible with earlier technologies: video calls can be made and received from other 3G users video and other types of media can be downloaded to play on your phone 3G phones often have cameras, so you can take and transmit digital pictures location-based services can be accessed in order to see a map of where you are, or find out the nearest garage, restaurant, bank, etc M-commerce developments are focused very strongly on the use of 3G phone technology. Wireless application protocol (WAP) enables mobile devices to browse the internet because the web browsers built into these devices support hypertext markup language (HTML) and extensible markup language (XML) the key languages used for internet content. WAP-enabled devices run microbrowsers. These are applications that suit the: small screen and small memory size of handheld devices low bandwidths that are a feature of wireless networks for handheld devices Another important m-commerce technology is short message service (SMS), also known as texting. This popular service allows short text messages of up to 160 characters to be sent from and to mobile devices at a low cost. This has a wide application in m-commerce technology. Improvements to the service, such as T9 predictive text to help you type faster, have helped to improve the service, and a number of enhancements such as enhanced messaging (EMS) led to multimedia messaging service (MMS) messaging. With an MMS-enabled phone, you can: take digital photographs and store photographs on the internet send and receive full color pictures add a text message to your picture send and receive voice clips purchase pictures and sounds from the internet have enhanced polyphonic ringtones Mobile Application Types Communications: E-mail Clients IM Clients Mobile Web and Internet Browsers News/Information Clients On-Device Portals (Java Portals) Social Network Clients Games: Puzzle/Strategy (e.g., Tetris, Sudoku, Mah-jong, Chess, Board Games) Cards/Casino (e.g., Solitaire, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker) Action/Adventure (e.g., Doom, Pirates of the Caribbean, Role-Playing Games) Sports (e.g., Football, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Racing, Boxing, Skiing) Leisure Sports (e.g., Bowling, Pool, Darts, Fishing, Air Hockey) Multimedia: Graphics/Image Viewers Presentation Viewers Video Players Audio Players Streaming Players (Audio/Video) Productivity: Calendars Calculators Diary Notepad/Memo/Word Processors Spreadsheets Directory Services (e.g., yellow pages) Banking/Finance Travel: City Guides Currency Converters Translators GPS/Maps Itineraries/Schedules Weather Mobile System Architecture The figure bellow shows the architecture of an m-commerce system: from the design, we can clearly see that a user/client access the web via an xml server connected to a database. Figure1. Proposed M-commerce system architecture Mobile devices The applications of M-commerce can be implemented on different kinds of end user devices other than only mobile phones: Mobile phones PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) Smart phone the smart phone combines mobile phone and PDA technology into one device Laptop Earpiece device such as Bluetooth (as part of a Personal Area Network) The choice of devices in M-commerce is mainly based on the device features, and network technology used for transmission, the last allows the bandwidth capacity to vary and influence the kind of services the end user is able to receive. In mobile phones, the technology differs from other end user devices by their ability to have internal smart cards that determine their memory capacities. Nowadays, three solutions exist: Single SIM widely used around the world and confidential user information is stored one smart card. Dual Chip, means two smart cards in one mobile phone, as one used for user authentication to the network operator as the other, is used for value-added services such as m-payment or digital signature. Dual Slot, this type of mobile phones, has a SIM card and card slot for fully-sized external smart card. This solutions consists on using different cards one after the other. e.g. POS and ATM terminals. M-commerce vs. E-commerce This part of the report doesnt compare the two business systems. However, present advantages and disadvantages of M-commerce system over and E-commerce system. As defined in part 1.1., M-commerce is subset of the E-commerce but using end user devices as transaction platforms. The following list summarises, the advantages: Accessibility accessibility is related to ubiquity and means that the end user is accessible anywhere at any time. Accessibility is probably the major advantage by comparison with E-commerce applications involving a wired end user device. Ubiquity the end user device is mobile, that is, the user can access M-commerce applications in real time at any place. Security depending on the specific end user device, the device offers a certain level of inherent security. For example, the SIM card commonly employed in mobile phones is a smart card that stores confidential user information, such as the users secret authentication key. As such, the mobile phone can be regarded as a smart card reader with smart card. Localisation a network operator can localise registered users by using a positioning systems, such as GPS, or via GSM or UMTS network technology, and offer location- dependent services. Those services include local information services about hotels, restaurants, and amenities, travel information, emergency calls, and mobile office facilities. Personalisation mobile devices are usually not shared between users. This makes it possible to adjust a mobile device to the users needs and wishes (starting with the mobile phone housing and ringtones). On the other hand, a mobile operator can offer personalised services to its users, depending on specified user characteristics (e.g. a user may prefer Italian food) and the users location (see above). Convenience the size and weight of mobile devices and their ubiquity and accessibility makes them an ideal tool for performing personal tasks. Along with these advantages, we also have disadvantages, the following list summarises, the facts: Mobile devices offer limited capabilities between mobile devices these capabilities vary so much that end user services will need to be customised accordingly. The heterogeneity of devices, operating systems, and network technologies is a challenge for a uniform end user platform. For this reason, standardisation bodies consisting of telecommunication companies, device manufacturers, and value-added service providers integrate their work (see Section 4.5). For example, many current mobile devices implement an IP stack to provide standard network connectivity. At the application level, the Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) offers a standardized application platform for heterogeneous devices. Mobile devices are more prone to theft and destruction. According to a government report, more than 700000 mobile phones are stolen in the UK each year [12]. Since mobile phones are highly personalised and contain confidential user information, they need to be protected according to the highest security standards. The communication over the air interface between mobile device and network introduces additional security threats (e.g. eavesdropping, winds etc †¦). Security Concept and Challenges The concept of security in M-commerce is the most important aspect of a business that a mobile-system should respond to. There is no need to implement, such system without securing its environment, especially where transactions involve monetary value. Different views from participants in an M-commerce scenario, percept, security and privacy as major factors for markets breakthrough of the according system. Moving from participants point of views, I have defined five security objectives / standards that a system should respond to: Confidentiality: ensure privacy, the content of the transaction cannot be viewed by unauthorised persons and enables encryption. Authentication: ensure that the content of the transaction originates from the presumed sender/partner. Integrity: ensure that the content of transaction is not modified during the delivery and cannot be altered at any time. The technique used is called digital signatures. Authorisation: ensure that anyone involved in the transaction must be recognize and verified in order to authorize/allow the transaction to take place. It is more like digital certificates. Non-repudiation: no-one should be able to claim that any transaction on his/her behalf was made without their knowledge. The concept of digital signatures is applied. This standards dont just apply to end user devices, but to the whole systems involving device users, network (e.g. WAP, WEP), financial and administrative institutions (e.g. banks, governments etc.). I have identified, few security challenges related to the system: The mobile device confidential user data on the mobile device as well as the device itself should be protected from unauthorised use. The security mechanisms employed here include user authentication (e.g. PIN or password authentication), secure storage of confidential data (e.g. SIM card in mobile phones) and security of the operating system. The radio interface access to a telecommunication network requires the protection of transmitted data in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. In particular, the users personal data should be protected from eavesdropping. Different security mechanisms for different mobile network technologies (i.e. in 2G, 3G, and other systems) were explained in part 2.2 The network operator infrastructure security mechanisms for the end user often terminate in the access network. This raises questions regarding the security of the users data within and beyond the access network. Moreover, the user receives certain services for which he/she has to pay. This often involves the network operator and he/she will want to be assured about correct charging and billing. The kind of M-commerce application m-commerce applications, especially those involving payment, need to be secured to assure customers, merchants, and network operators. For example, in a payment scenario both sides will want to authenticate each other before committing to a payment. Also, the customer will want assurance about the delivery of goods or services. In addition to the authenticity, confidentiality and integrity of sent payment information, non-repudiation is important. Threats scenarios In this part, I am going to present major threats to security based on the M-commerce security standards and address ideal scenarios, observed during each methods. The following list shows the threats: Money thefts: as long as, m-commerce involves transaction, driven by monetary values. The system will always attract hackers, crackers and anyone with the knowledge of exploiting and abusing the system. They often set fake websites, in order to extract customers personal data, credit card details etc. Threats to the system: mobile devices are not spared from those deceptive methods of stealing information. Viruses, Trojans, Worms are often planted by individuals for reasons known best to them alone, in order to compromise the credibility of all m-commerce system. Threats observed during authentication: Observation: An adversary can download the client on a laptop/desktop and use its insecurities for malicious purposes. An adversary can obtain the user credentials stored on the mobile phone by transferring the contents to pc/laptop from the phone or memory card. An adversary can register with valid details of a valid bank account holder and access his/her account details or make transactions. An adversary can access user credentials directly from the phones folders or from phones memory card. An adversary can obtain the new PIN for transacting using the weak forgot password feature or an adversary can change the password/PIN of a valid user without authentication/authorization. An adversary can use the auto-complete feature to access a valid users account. An adversary can guess weak passwords/PIN to retrieve customer information. Ideal scenario: An adversary can download the client on laptop/desktop and use its insecurities for malicious purposes. An adversary can use the auto-complete feature to access a valid users account. The customer has to first register with the bank. Customer details like full name, postal address, e-mail address, bank account details and mobile phone number should be provided. The bank would inform the vendor to push the mobile client application to the mobile number provided by the customer. This can be done through a system which communicates between the server at vendor end and bank end. The vendor enters the mobile number of the customer and the client application is pushed to it. This ensures that the client is not downloaded to a pc or laptop and misused. In case the push is not possible, the customer has to be informed and the client application installed by the vendor. The application has to ensure that during installation a few checks are done Transfer the banks and vendors public key for encryption purposes. There can be two keys generated for the vendor; one for storage and one for data transmission. The client files/folders are installed on the phone and not in the memory card. The files and folders should be restricted from being transferred to a memory card or pc/laptop. The access to these files should only be through the executable and not directly. The installer should be removed after installation. Application should not allow auto-complete feature. Threats observed during transactions Observation: Based on the services provided to the customer the following threats can be observed: An adversary can sniff the contents of transaction and obtain confidential information. An adversary can bypass authentication controls. An adversary can make bogus shopping or purchase transactions for another valid customer. An adversary can view the account details of another user. An adversary can modify the from account and amount field during a fund transfer process. An adversary can predict the session id and perform transactions as a valid user. An adversary can access a valid account using an active session which has not been terminated after a long time of inactivity. An adversary can login using his credentials and view/modify the details of another valid customer. Illegal/Invalid transactions can be performed without continuous authentication process for each transaction. Ideal scenario An adversary can sniff the contents of transaction and obtain confidential information. All transactions should be through a secured connection. Data transmitted between the client application and the vendor server should be through HTTPS or another secured channel and also encrypted through the vendors transport public key. The data flowing back from vendor sever to the client should be through HTTPS or a secured channel. The data flowing between the vendor server and bank server should be through HTTPS. Also the customer details, which are not required by the vendor, should be encrypted using the banks public key. The return should be through HTTPS. Any data flowing between bank/vendor to other third parties or merchants like for mobile shopping should be through a secured payment gateway. An adversary can bypass authentication controls, Illegal/Invalid transactions can be performed without continuous authentication process for each transaction and view the account details of another user. Each transaction or operation should be authenticated either using a single layer or a dual layer. The vendor side application should authenticate the customer using the PIN for non-critical operations. Validation checks should be in place to ensure that this authentication control is not bypassed. For critical transactions, there can be dual authentication mechanism, one using the PIN at the vendor and other using the Internet banking ID at the bank side. Validation checks should be in place to ensure that this authentication control is not bypassed. An adversary can make bogus shopping or purchase transactions for another valid customer. An adversary can modify the from account and amount field during a fund transfer process. For example, in a fund transfer operation the bank should ask for the Internet banking credentials from the customer for authentication and verification. Also checks need to be in place to ensure that the from account field cannot be modified or the amount field is not negative. An adversary can predict the session id and perform transactions as a valid user. For example, an adversary can access a valid account using an active session which has not been terminated after a long time of inactivity and login using his credentials and view/modify the details of another valid customer.In mobile shopping operation, the payment should be through a secured payment gateway. Ideally, the vendor should not store the details of the shopping done by the customer. In case the vendor performs the payment for the customer for his/her purchases, then only the details need to be stored at the vendor. Then the customer authorizes the bank to transfer the amount to the vendors account for making the payment to the merchant for his/her item. Having a good session management mechanism ensures that attackers dont use a valid session id for login purposes. Also the application should ensure that users are not able to change the data and view another customers details. Other possible threats: An adversary can upload malicious files to the server/application. Ideally, a mobile banking scenario would not require a customer to upload files to the server. Hence the same can be disabled for customers. An adversary can obtain the confidential customer data and source code from the server. All customer data and application source code at the vendor server should be protected not only from the outside attackers, but from internal users/developers also. Malicious activities are undetected. Audit trails and logging need to be maintained for the application which mentions the customer name, bank details and transaction performed with time and date for future reference. An adversary can obtain the details of the server or error messages provide information for the adversary to perform specific attacks. The application should ensure no messages are provided to the outside world which would reveal information about the system. An adversary can obtain the vendor private key from the server to perform man-in-the-middle attacks. The private keys should be stored securely and access should only be given to the application to use the keys during any kind of operations. Security Technology This part of my report focuses on the network technologies, which are relevant to a secure M-commerce system. The security itself focuses on three aspects, studied in the IST SHAMAN project: M-commerce network security, Transport layer security and Service security. The IST SHAMAN has studied the security architecture of current and potential future mobile systems. Here, they are discussed: M-commerce Network Security GSM (General System for Mobile Communication): established in the early 1990s, the GSM is the first generation mobile phones and major device for M-commerce. The devices presented strong limitations with respect to their capabilities other than telephony. In term of data service, the dial-in data sessions over circuit switched connections were possible but relatively slow, at 9, 6 Kbits/s and required a separate device such a computer, which reduced its mobility. As the GSM core network extended, a number of data services where established such as: The Short Message Service (SMS) The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) allowing internet access The High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) providing higher data rates The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) extends GSM with packet oriented services The figure, below shows an architecture of GSM, including GPRS, IN (Intelligent Network) and SMS. Figure 2: GSM Architecture What is the scenario in this architecture and what does the GSM provides as security features? The mobile station communicates over the wireless interface with a base transceiver station (BTS) which is part of a base station subsystem (BSS). The base station controller (BSC) is connected with a MSC (Mobile Switching Centre) and a SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node). The latter two are the central switching components for circuit and packet switched data. When a customer subscribes, the GSM home network assigns the mobile station a unique identifier, the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and an authentication key Ki. The IMSI and the secret authentication key Ki of the mobile station (MS) are stored in the SIM (subscriber identity module), which is assumed to be tamper proof. On the network side, the IMSI, Ki and other information are stored in the HLR (Home Location Register) and AuC (Authentication Centre). GSM provides the following security features for the link between the mobile station and the network: †¢ IMSI confidentiality †¢ IMSI authentication †¢ User data confidentiality on physical connections †¢ Connectionless user data confidentiality †¢ Signaling information element confidentiality In general, the security architecture of GSM, presents basic security mechanisms for M-commerce systems. The authentication towards the network, from a mobile customer is based on a secret ki that will derive to a symmetric key, used to encrypt the link between the mobile station and the BTS. The secret key ki is never sent over the network. From there, we can say that GSM presents two weaknesses, Authentication and Encryption as it is optional. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System): the security architecture of UMTS is designed to fix the security weaknesses of GMS. In UMTS, authentication is mutual, and encryption is mandatory unless the mobile station and the network agree on an unciphered connection. In addition, integrity protection is always mandatory and protects against replay or modification of signaling messages. UMTS introduces new cipher algorithms and longer encryption keys. Thus, UMTS doesnt seem to have any security weaknesses. The architecture of this technology is depicted below: Figure 3  : UTRAN system WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): The IEEE standard 802.11 specifies families of WLANs which operate in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band. The standards specify the physical layer (PHY) and the medium access control layer (MAC). When operated in the infrastructure mode, the mobile station attaches to an AP which provides connectivity to fixed net IP networks (e.g. the internet) or to other mobile stations. While, in the default mode, WLAN is not secured, this means: there is a possibility of an eavesdrop attack. In order to provide a measure of security, the IEEE and IETF, have defined the WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) and the VPN (Virtual Privacy Network). WEP was designed to provide: Authentication to protect the association to an AP Integrity protection on MAC frames Confidentiality on MAC frames In comparison to other network technologies, the WEP is insecure. Based on its secret key, that serves as input for the RC4 stream cipher, the authentication and integrity protection is completely insecure and encryption at least partly insecure. There is a possibility for an attacker to intercept a single successful authentication transaction between a mobile station and the AP and be able to authenticate without knowing the secret keys. Furthermore, since a CRC checksum is used for integrity protection, an attacker can modify the data and adapt the checksum accordingly. For example, if the position of commercially sensitive information (e.g. an amount) within a datagram is known, the corresponding bits can be ex-ored with any value. With a large number of intercepted frames, the WEP keys can even be recovered, breaking the encryption. Furthermore, since the WEP keys are network keys, preserving their secrecy is difficult for private networks and impossible for public WLAN hotspots. In recent work of the IEEE Task group on security (TgI), the new security standard IEEE 802.1X has been adopted. 802.1X is a framework for authentication and key management which employs the Extensible Authentication Protocol for a variety of authentication mechanisms, e.g. certificate based TLS. But the weaknesses of WEP cannot be remedied by the new authentication and key management schemes in 802.1X. The IEEE is currently working towards a new standard (WEP2), and a number of proposals are in circulation. VPN: the technology is employ to particular IPsec, in order to establish network layer security. The IPsec protocol (or more specifically the ESP Tunnel protocol) is an internet s

Theories of Justice in Medieval Philosophy :: German Philosophy Papers

Theories of Justice in Medieval Philosophy ABSTRACT: I discuss the reception of the classical definitions of "the just" in the philosophy of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Ulpian by the authors of Latin Medieval philosophy. In the twelfth century we can see an emerging differentiation between philosophical and theological discourse, for example in the work of Peter Abelard. In the thirteenth century, in the philosophical writing of Thomas Aquinas, we find the most important philosophical definition of "the just." Aquinas avoids some of the aporias in which the Aristotelian theory on justice was involved. 1.) Ich gehe im Anschluß an die Thesen von Charles Haskins von der Beobachtung aus, daß sich im Zuge der Herausbildung der scholastischen Methode als einer Tendenz zur "Verwissenschaftlichung aller Theorie" entscheidende Umbrà ¼che in der geistigen Welt des Mittelalters vollziehen, die die Zeitgenossen veranlassen, die à ¼berlieferten Konzepte der Weltinterpretation einer Revision zu unterziehen; in deren Verlauf bilden sich die tragenden Begriffe und die sozialen Organisationsmuster heraus, die wir rà ¼ckblickend als die Bestandteile des Prozesses der okzidentalen Rationalisierung und Aufklà ¤rung identifizieren kà ¶nnen. Diese Zusammenhà ¤nge sollen hier nur illustrativ verdeutlicht werden durch den Hinweis auf die Entstehung der Kathedralschulen und die Neugrà ¼ndung der Università ¤ten, auf die Ablà ¶sung der Methodik der "artes liberales" durch die Wiederentdeckung des Konzepts der "scientia" sowie auf die eindeutige Tendenz zur Entsakralisierung der Sicht der pol itischen Herrschaft. Das sich in den Bahnen der Scholastik artikulierende Interesse an Rationalità ¤t verà ¤ndert von Grund auf das Selbstverstà ¤ndnis des Bildungssystems; ein Prozeß, der sich im 12. und 13. Jhdt. deutlich bemerkbar macht. Dieses betrifft alle à ¼berlieferten Wissensformen: Von der neuen Gestalt der Medizin in der Schule von Salerno bis zur "Entdeckung der Natur" in der Schule von Chartre (Thierry von Chartre, Wilhelm von Conches), von der methodisch neue Wege gehenden Bearbeitung der "Digesten" in der Schule von Bologna (Gratian) bis zur Entfaltung der rationalen Theologie eines Anselm von Canterbury oder Peter Abaelard). Dies schließt auch im 13. Jhdt. inmitten der Artistenfakultà ¤t in Paris das Erwachen eines neuen Konzepts von Philosophie als Wissenschaft eigenen Rechts ein. Nicht eigentlich ausgelà ¶st, aber begleitet und verstà ¤rkt wird dieser Wandlungsprozeß durch die Wiederentdeckung bzw. Neulektà ¼re von Texten der griechischen und latei nischen Antike, allen voran Aristoteles materiale Schriften, die nicht unerheblich zur Entfaltung einer akademischen Kultur der Disputation und der intellektuellen Suche nach Auflà ¶sung von Widersprà ¼chen beitragen. Im Zuge dieser Verà ¤nderungen kà ¶nnen wir unschwer auch eine neue Weise der Behandlung des Begriffs des

The Compelling Motives of European Imperialism Essay -- European Histo

The Compelling Motives of Imperialism The presence of Europe in Africa in the late nineteenth century was one of extreme power. The countries of France, Britain, and Germany had especially large claims to the African continent during this time. The motives of imperialism for these countries greatly define Europe at this time. Insatiable desires for economic markets, power and political struggles, the motivating belief in Social Darwinism, and the European idea of superiority were the driving forces at the European home front in the late nineteenth century. Many of the causes for imperialism in Africa were evident in Joseph Conrad’s turn of the century novel, Heart of Darkness. Successful domination of Africa was not attainable prior to the eighteen hundreds. The obstacles of travel and disease were too powerful to overcome. However, with the development of the steamship and the protection from malaria in the form of quinine, Europeans tackled Africa with a renewed energy (Sanderson â€Å"Imperialism notes†). A European council congregated in 1885 and drew up the Berlin Act, which was responsible for the carving of Africa into pieces of land for the major imperialistic powers in Europe (Lehmann â€Å"The Scramble for Africa†). Political and nationalistic rivals were fueled and each European power desired to prosper greater than their competitors did. Political goals were often achieved through imperialism. Countries competed for â€Å"strategic passages† and â€Å"overseas bases† in locations throughout Africa (Lehmann â€Å"European Imperialism). The goals of achieving the most power and wealth from various regions throu gh imperialistic measures were realized during the age of imperialism. A new source of economic resources for eve... ...rialism in the nineteenth century. Links and Works Cited: http://www.usd.edu/honors/HWB/1999/1999f/index.htm Clayton Miles Lehmann compiled this website. It is based upon Imperialism, with my attention to â€Å"European Imperialism† and â€Å"The Scramble for Africa†. There is also a map depicting the carving of Africa. http://www.angelfire.com/tx/sandersonAP/NotesImp.htm This website provides note-like structured description of European imperialism by Dr. Sanderson. It highlights reasons for imperialism and different areas that were imperialized. http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/~patrick/151/africa.htm Patrick M. Patterson designed this website. A description of Africa before European imperialism is provided here. There are also explanations of the delay of imperialism and some causes of it. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: The Modern Library, 1999.

Yeast and Fermentation

Dinah Gibson Ms. Lunsford Honors Chemistry 12/6/2011 Abstract Yeast is widely used for making bread, beer, and wine. People all over the world drink and eat those products. This projects looks at which fruit juice with a higher percentage of sugar will produce more fermentation. The original purpose of this experiment was to determine the amount of fermentation of 3 different fruit juices after adding a certain amount of yeast. By measuring the type of fruit juice (independent variable) the amount of fermentation as shown by the reduction of sugar (dependent variable). My hypothesis my hypothesis is that the fruit juice with a higher percentage of sugar will produce more fermentation. The experimental results supported my hypothesis by showing that the results indicate that this hypothesis should be accepted, because the orange juice, which had the highest sugar content, produced the most fermentation. Because of the results of this experiment, I wonder if using more yeast would produce more fermentation or if using another type of juice with two of them mixed together like the cranberry-grape juice, would produce less fermentation. The Effect of Yeast on Different Fruit Juices Question: what’s the effect of different juice on yeast? Variable: The manipulated variable was the type of fruit juice. The responding variable was the amount of fermentation as shown by the reduction of sugar. Hypothesis: That the fruit juice with a higher percentage of sugar will produce more fermentation. Research Report Introduction Fermentation has been around for a very long time. People have used it for making bread, beer, wine and other products. There have been scientists and chemists who have discovered new things about fermentation. There are many types of fermentation including fermentation of fruit juices, malted grain and other sugars. Fermentation Fermentation is a chemical process that breaks down organic matter. Microbes like bacteria carry out this process. Mold and yeast act upon molasses and mineral salts to create penicillin. Yeast breaks down sugar taken from malted grain and turns it into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide gas to make beer. French Scientist Louis Pasteur discovered that microbes ferment beer and wine. Fermentation is also used to make bread, cheese and yogurt. Sometimes fermentation can be unhealthy; for example milk that has been fermented turns sour. There are 1900 other types of fermentation found. Fermentation is also used to make certain drugs, vitamins and some chemicals. Fungi Fungi are organisms that lack chlorophyll, the green matter that plants use to make their food. Fungi cannot make their own food, instead they absorb it from around them. According to mycologists there are over 100,000 species of fungi. Yeasts and other one-celled fungi are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most types can be seen with the unaided eye. Some of the most common fungi are mildews, molds, mushrooms and plant rusts. Fungi break down complex animal and plant materials into simple compounds. This process of decomposition enriches the soil and makes essential substances available to pants in a form they can use. Through decomposition, fungi also return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, where green plants reuse it to make food. Yeast Yeast is a single celled organism. Yeast is a fungus that exists almost everywhere in nature, including the air. Bakers use yeast to make bread rise. Yeast is used for making beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. It consists of masses of microscopic organisms. There are 600 species of yeast, but only a few are used commercially. Yeast grows fast, and it grows best in sugar. Yeast cells reproduce by fission and budding. Bud swelling forms on a yeast cell wall, and then it breaks off to form a new single cell. In the early times yeast was used for bread, beer, wine and other products. In the 1600’s Dutch Scientist Anton Van Leeuwenhoek discovered yeast cells. In 1860 French Scientist Louis Pasteur confirmed that live yeast organisms cause fermentation of beer and wine. How Yeast Is Used Since yeast fungi lack chlorophyll, yeast relies on other plants to supply their food. They eat sugar from sources like fruit, grain, nectar and molasses. Yeast cells produce a chemical called enzymes and ferments that break down their food. Some yeast break down sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide gas, this process is called fermentation. Bakers yeast is used as a leavening, a substance that makes bread rise. Sugar is needed for fermentation. Bakers may add sugar to the dough to hasten fermentation. Yeast breaks down sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. A substance in the dough called gluten traps the bubbles from the gas. As the gas bubbles expand, the gluten stretches causing the bread to rise. The alcohol produced by fermentation evaporates when the bread is baking. When being baked, the bread yeast is destroyed. Yeast used in wine acts on the sugar in grapes and other fruits to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide gas through fermentation. Most wines allow the gas to escape into the air. In some champagnes and sparkly wines the gas remains to provide the drink’s natural bubbles. Brewers yeast cannot act directly on the grain used for beer, so brewers convert the starch in the grain into sugar by means of a process called malting. Yeast is then added to convert the sugar into alcohol. The gas formed during fermentation is pumped off the beer and then added again to carbonate it. Yeast is also used for the production of a dietary supplement called single cell protein. Yeast produces large amounts of particular vitamins and is used in the commercial production of vitamins. Yeast used in brewing can absorb and store vitamins from their food. People eat these yeasts as vitamin supplements. Certain yeast fungus can produce large amounts of useful substances such as fat, glycerol, industrial alcohol and various enzymes. The yeast is used in the commercial production of these substances. How Yeast Is Made Before the commercial production of yeast in the 1890’s, yeast fungi from the air leavened the bread that people baked. Homemakers prepared dough and left it uncovered and yeasts landed on it and began the fermentation process. Later excess yeast from the beer and winemaking industries was used in bread making. This yeast is called barm. When bakers yeast first became an industry, manufacturers grew yeast fungi on malted grain. Today bakers yeast is produced on molasses, which consists mostly of sugar. Bakers yeast is manufactured in two forms, dried grains and moist cakes. Cakes of yeast are made up of live, active cells. Yeast cells in dried grains are live but not active. Dried yeast must be mixed with warm water before yeast fungi can grow. Yeast cakes must be refrigerated, but they spoil after about six weeks. Dried yeast doesn’t need to be refrigerated but it will last longer. Sugar Green plants produce sugar, but most table sugar comes from sugar cane or beets. Other sources of sugar are cornstarch, milk, maple syrup and honey. Sugar belongs to the class of foods called carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for plants and animals. There are two kinds of sugar monosaccharaides and disaccharides. Monosaccharaides are the simplest carbohydrates, include glucose and fructose. Glucose is the most important carbohydrate in the blood. Fructose is found in fruits and vegetables. Common disaccharides include lactose and maltose. Lactose is found in milk and is used in the production of some medications. Maltose is formed from starch and it is used in the production of bread and baby food. Summary There are many different things needed for fermentation including, yeast, fruit juice or malted grain, and sugar. Fermentation produces many products like bread, cheese, yogurt, wine and beer. One unhealthy product of fermentation is fermented milk. Material list: 16 transparent containers 12g Yeast 25000ml Orange juice 1250ml Apple juice 1250ml Cranberry-grape juice 1 Cylinder 1 Gram scale 1 Thermometer PROCEDURES 1. Gather materials. 2. Label four containers OJ control 1, 2, 3 and 4. 3. Label four containers as oj1, oj2, oj3, and oj4. 4. Label four containers as ap1, ap2, ap3, and ap4. 5. Label four containers as cgr1, cgr2, cgr3, and cgr4. 6. Add 250ml of orange juice to each of the containers labeled OJ control 1, 2, 3 and 4. . Add 250ml of orange juice to each of the containers labeled OJ 1, 2, 3 and 4. 8. Add 250ml of apple juice to each of the containers labeled AP 1, 2, 3 and 4. 9. Add 250ml of cranberry-grape juice to each of the containers labeled cgr 1, 2,3and4. 10. Measure the sugar in each of the juices before adding the yeast, record results. 11. Add one gram of yeast to each of th e containers labeled OJ 1, 2, 3, and 4. 12. Add one gram of yeast to each of the containers labeled AP 1, 2, 3, and4. 13. Add one gram of yeast to each of the containers labeled cgr 1, 2, 3, and4. 14. Allow the juice to ferment for 72 hours. 15. Use the brix meter to measure the sugar after the fermentation process, record results. 16. Subtract first measurement from the second measurement, record results 17. Compare which fruit juice produced the most fermentation, record results. Data In this graph you can see the amount of sugar in each group for all three trials. It shows that the orange juice and control group contained the most sugar. In this graph you can see the amount of sugar that each group had after fermentation. This shows that all the groups except the control group, lost a lot of sugar. In this graph you can see how much sugar each group lost. It shows that the orange juice contained the most sugar (meaning it produced the most fermentation). Conclusion My hypothesis was that fruit juices with a higher percentage of sugar would produce more fermentation: The results indicate that this hypothesis should be accepted, because the orange juice, which had the highest sugar content, produced the most fermentation. Because of the results of this experiment, I wonder if using more yeast would produce more fermentation or if using another type of juice with two of them mixed together like the cranberry-grape juice, would produce less fermentation. My findings should be useful to wineries because I found that the juices I used produced a large amount of fermentation therefore might make good wine. If I were to conduct this project again I would do more trials, do a replication of the entire experiment, use more varieties of juices and use a better method of measurement. Bibliography â€Å"Fermentation. † Utah State University: Intermountain Herbarium. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. . â€Å"Yeast Fermentation. † NEWTON, Ask a Scientist at Argonne National Labs! Web. 27 Oct. 2011. lt;http://www. newton. dep. anl. gov/askasci/mole00/mole00195. htm>. Katz, Sandor Ellix. Wild Fermentation: the Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-culture Foods. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Pub. , 2003. Print. Acknowledgements I would like to thank the following people. Without their help, my project would not have been possible: My mom for getting all of my materials needed and helping me with the broad design. My Honors Chemistry Teach er (Ms. Lunsfords) for helping me understand the concept of fermentation. My Aunt for getting me a Brix Meter from her job.

American Involvment in World War I Essay

This investigation assesses American involvement in World War I before military intervention, and how this led to military intervention. In order to assess these causes, one must examine America’s involvement in the war before combat, the events that launched America’s military intervention in the war, American sentiments about the war before military intervention, and Woodrow Wilson’s actions before the war. Two sources used in the essay, America’s Great War: World War One and the American Experience by Robert H.  Ziegler and Woodrow Wilson’s speech to congress on April 2nd, 1917 are evaluated for their origins, values, purposes and limitations. The investigation does not asses the pre-war situations of any countries but the United States, and does not asses American military involvement during the First World War Summary Of Evidence Prior to 1917, America was already deeply involved in the First World War, though they did not have troops fighting in the trenches overseas. First, American involvement in the war was purely as a producer and creditor to the Allied Powers. The war, while catastrophic for the countries involved in its atrophied trench battles, provided America with an astronomical boost to its economy, from 2 billion dollars in exported materials in 1913 to nearly 6 billion dollars in exports in 1916. This economic boom was mainly brought on by Britain’s dependency on American foodstuffs and manufactured goods.. The economic ties between America and Britain tightened with public subscription loans. By 1917, Britain had borrowed 2. 7 billion dollars from American creditors. Historian Paul Koistinen wrote â€Å"Without American supplies, Britain could not continue the war; without American financing of almost 10$ million a day †¦ Britain would exhaust its reserves of gold and securities by March 1917. Its dependence was total. Cutting back procurement . . . would produce disaster in England† Originally, America did nothing but reap the reward of â€Å"neutrality†. When Americas turned their eyes to the stage of war in Europe, they were truly terrified. One Chicago newspaper joked â€Å"A hearty vote of thanks to Columbus for having discovered America†. This sentiment was echoed by many American citizens, who showed pride in President Woodrow Wilson’s decision to declare America a neutral state in the war. Americans thoughts on the war lied in their bloodlines, as a majority of Americans were descendants from either Allied or Central Powers nations. Most Americans, early in the war at least, didn’t understand the war or why it was being fought, and were glad that America wasn’t involved. However, these robust Anti-Involvement sentiments began to fade after May 7 1915, the day of the Lusitania crisis. German U-Boats torpedoed and sunk a passenger liner in British waters, killing nearly 1,200 civilians, including 128 American citizens. The murder of these innocents set off the first widespread pro war feelings in Americans. This outrage was justified, but was also heightened by yellow journalism that demonized Germans as barbarians and deranged killers. President Woodrow Wilson, taking note of this event and the outrage it caused, warned the Germans that any further violation of American rights would result in â€Å"Strict Accountability† for these actions. This, as well as the bloody war dragging on in Europe, brought up the question of military preparedness in the United States. By 1916, pro-preparedness sentiment was widespread, as 135,000 supporters of expanding the military marched on New York City’s 5th Avenue, for 12 hours. In Chicago, 130,000 telephone operators moved in the shape of an American flag, goose-stepping down State Street. In the election of 1916, Woodrow Wilson ran against Charles E. Hughes, who was backed by Theodore Roosevelt, former president and staunch Allied Powers supporter, as well as an advocate for military preparedness. Woodrow Wilson won the election by only about 600,000 popular votes. However, these sentiments were met with an equally strong anti-militarism force, saying that in a chaotic world, America must be a beacon and resist entrance into war, and resist building an enormous military. Strong anti-militaristic sentiments began to fade when British intelligence officers intercepted a telegram sent from Foreign Secretary of the German Empire Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador of Mexico, Heinrich von Eckardt. This infamous proposal, known as the Zimmermann note, proposed that Mexico wage war against the United States. Throughout America’s neutrality in World War 1, President Wilson had acted as a mediator, but with tension building to a terminal level and with the Zimmermann note, Wilson was forced to ask congress to bolster America’s military forces on April 2nd 1917. Later in the same year, America sent its first military forces oversees Evaluation Of Sources Robert H Zieger: America’s Great War: World War One and the American Experience Origins- (2000) Zieger is a respected labor historian Purpose- Provides an in-depth look at American involvement in the war. Value- The economic statistics and quotations from various primary and secondary sources allow the reader to evaluate the validity of the claims Zieger makes. Limitations- does not provide any new opinions or claims Woodrow Wilson, April 2nd 1917 to congress to persuade congress to bring the United States Origin- German hostile actions towards the United States Purpose- Persuade congress to declare war on Germany and the Central Powers Value- clearly outlined Wilson’s reason’s for entering war Limitations- doesn’t explain the underlying causes of military intervention or pressure from big business to declare war for entry  Analysis America’s involvement in World War One began with producing vital weapons and foodstuffs for the Allied Powers, as well as economically supporting the Allied nation’s governments. Throughout the war, the German Empire repeatedly acted belligerently towards the neutral United States, sinking passenger lines, killing Amer ican civilians. Tension with Germany also rose after the proposal to Mexico asking the Mexican army to wage war on the United States. These belligerent German acts, however, would not have held as much effect as they did if American political opinions had not been shifted by the German actions, the economic pressure of close ties to the Allied nations, or social pressure brought along by shifting political attitudes. These all contributed to tensions growing regarding American military involvement I World War One President Woodrow Wilson was a stalwart proponent of American neutrality in the First World War for the almost all of the war, but the American political climate at the time forced his hand.. He was able to win this election because most voters at the time had pro-neutrality sentiments. However, Wilson took into account his slim margin of victory, and the Republican’s yearning for a prepared military. These yearnings were brought on mainly by the Lusitania sinking. A major proponent for intervention, the previously mentioned Theodore Roosevelt, denounced these acts of the German Empire as acts of piracy. Roosevelt’s popularity made these statements extremely well heard. This shift in public opinion helped force President Wilson’s hand. America’s involvement in World War One before it entry in combat was extremely vital, producing millions of dollars’ worth of material for Britain and France, as well as financing the war through small loans. This dependency was built by J. P Morgan, who traded nearly 3 billion dollars’ worth of goods with the allied powers. By 1917, America had invested 2. 7 billion dollars in Britain alone. Historian Paul Koistinen’s quote regarding British dependency on American trade shows how deeply entrenched America was with the war’s affairs pre involvement. These statistics show that the allied powers were completely dependent on American economic support American corporations had an immense amount of wealth in the war, and if they Allied powers lost the war, all of their investments would be worth nothing, because the countries that had been responsible for repaying these debts would no longer exist. The war was taking a detrimental toll on the populations of the warring nations, and the war was almost completely atrophied. It was only a matter of time before one side lost, and it was essential to American business that it was the Allied Powers. Had the allied powers lost to the central powers, American financers would have lost 2. 7 billion dollars as a whole, 2. 7 billion dollars that were needed to give to American business, 2. 7 billion dollars that banks needed to stay in business. Throughout pre-involvement America, as early as the dawn of the war, so called â€Å"hyphenated Americans†, had opinions on what side of the war to support, dependent on their country of origin. German-Americans, the largest ethnic group at the time , supported what they thought of as their motherland, Germany, therefore supported the Central Powers. The second largest ethnic group, Irish-Americans, saw Great Britain as an oppressor, therefore were also supporters of the central powers. However, most Americans at the time were still pro-neutrality. A Chicago newspaper, expressing thanks to Columbus, wrote an article on the blessing of the Atlantic Ocean. This was a popular sentiment at the time, and many Americans were proud of Wilson’s decision to be neutral. After the sinking of American ocean liner Lusitania the support of neutrality began to fade. Before the Lusitania disaster, however, 92 ships had been sunken by aggressive German action. None of these attacks had gained as much publicity, partially due to the fact that the previous sinking’s hadn’t been as destructive. But this was also due to the fact that the Lusitania sinking was grabbed onto by yellow journalists. â€Å"The blood of these murdered victims cries for vengeance. If that cry is unheard, the people of the United States will always bear upon them the stigma of the greatest humiliation ever put upon a nation. Writes a reporter from the Toronto Telegram. President Wilson demanded that German U-Boats stop sinking civilian liners, and if they continued to do so, they would be met with military retaliation. This didn’t stop Germans from sinking boats, and Wilson’s failure to take action against them infuriated Americans. Observing the protests in American cities at the time, one can judge that huge masses of people were strongly in favo r of interventionism. Conclusion The process of the American military joining the Allied Powers seemed inevitable from the start of the war, but still took hostile action and over reaction to spark military involvement. America’s pre-war economic ties to Europe and America’s reliance on trade with these nations during the war made America’s involvement with these nations too deep to let them lose the war, therefore forcing combat. Woodrow Wilson’s strong stance on neutrality couldn’t stand up to the enormous pressure he faced from the people of the United States.